Story Highlights

Two brothers who began their careers in food service as cooks, but had bigger ambitions, are watching their new Taco Bell business rise from the dirt on a U.S. 70 lot in Ruidoso.

"We originally started with the Kentucky Fried Chicken in Alamogordo," Adam Stokes said. "We both started as cooks."

"And worked our way all the way through the ranks," Dominic Stokes added, through positions as managers, general managers and in 2008, began running the Taco Bell on Sudderth Drive in Ruidoso.

"We had come in as 10 percent owners," Adam said. "Eventually, we took it over. Taco Bell approved us, because of our operations."

The brothers were born in Pittsburgh, Pa., but they grew up in Alamoogordo, where they father was in civil service.

"We always wanted to take it to the next level," Adam said. "We were always making money for other people, because we always were at the top of the tier and winning awards. We said we should be doing this for ourselves. That's kind of how it all started."

"When Jack King gave us a shot to get in, we took it," Dominic said. "We have to thank all of our customers, who come in loyally and faithfully. We can't wait to open the new store and welcome everybody to the new Taco Bell. Without the customers, this Taco Bell wouldn't be being built."

They both credited First Savings Bank on Sudderth Drive in Ruidoso for helping put together the package they needed.

Local contractors were used when possible, Adam said, but White Sands Construction from Alamogordo is handling the overall project and is whipping through the work, the brothers said.

"It even is blowing our minds," Dominic said. "We're driving by and saying, 'Man, they are really moving.' We encourage everyone to drive by and see the progress."

The opening or the new Taco Bell is targeted for mid-April, Adam said.

"Unfortunately, the lack of snow hasn't been good for Ruidoso, but it was good for construction," he said. "As long as everything goes as planned and there are no major delays from weather, permitting or someone forgets to ship something, mid-April is certain."

Customers probably will see a two week period when both stores will be shut down as equipment is transitioned.

"We already have people hired to move the equipment. It's all planned out," Adam said.

The new restaurant sits on a 28,000 square feet lot and the store footprint is 2,200 square feet. The new Taco Bell will be one of the largest models and should add to the comfort of the public, Dominic said. The exterior design is a Taco Bell package similar to the newer Taco Bell in Alamogordo.

"It's going to be nice, the first one with digital menu boards and dual occupancy restrooms," Adam said. "It will be unique."

The restaurant will include a drive-through and more parking than the current store with about 25 spaces.

"Parking definitely will not be an issue," Adam said.

"We just want to say how excited we are to show everybody the new Taco Bell," Dominic said. "Without the customers and First Savings and these guys moving as fast as they are, we couldn't get it done. We love being a Taco Bell. It's a great great company."